Kenya: Suspected Al-Shabaab attack leaves casualties in Ogorwen, Mandera County, July 5

Event

Suspected Al-Shabaab militants wounded at least eight soldiers during an ambush on a Special Operations Group (SOG) unit camped near Ogorwen, Mandera County, July 5. Kenyan authorities stated the attack was repelled, and at least 20 militants were killed; however, this number cannot be verified due to conflicting reports.

Similar Al-Shabaab attacks and clashes between Kenyan security forces and Al-Shabaab militants are possible near the Kenyan-Somali border over the near term.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to regularly carry out attacks near the porous border with Somalia as well as in coastal areas in retaliation for Kenya's participation in a multinational force fighting Al-Shabaab in Somalia since 2011.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to monitor developments, avoid nonessential travel to areas near the Kenyan-Somali border due to the risk of terror-related violence, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.